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What Scouts Say: Dillon Dube

The Calgary Flames opted for some local talent with the 56th overall pick at the NHL Draft, selecting Cochrane product Dillon Dube.

The Kelowna Rockets centre was third in team scoring this past season, netting 26 goals and 66 points in 65 regular season games. In 18 playoff dates, he had five goals and seven points.

"Real skilled player, shooter," was director of amateur scouting Tod Button's assessment. "We always talk about upgrading skill. Never enough skill. You watch the playoffs and goals are hard to come by. He’s a shooter, a scorer. He’s a very quick player from the dots in."

Here is what scouts have to say about Dube:

INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING SERVICE - RANKED 47TH OVERALL

Dube is a player that possesses special offensive talent. Very good speed and acceleration. Nifty and elusive on his edges. Good hands, and very good vision with the puck in the offensive zone, gives and receives passes well. Is most dangerous off the rush. Has the ability to change a game. D/zone play needs work, lacks structure. Struggles with consistency, not willing to drive the net or get engaged in puck battles. Gets himself into trouble when he tries to play bigger than what he is capable of. Has some real upside but he seems high risk.

NHL Potential: Secondary scoring option could fit in well on second PP unit

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS - RANKED 46TH OVERALL

Dube is a noticeable energizer bunny from start to finish. He has a smaller frame, but he is fairly filled out and sturdy along the walls. The best part of his game is his consistent speed and relentless forward-thinking attitude. He is very explosive and creates a lot of speed in the blink of an eye. He can blow past defencemen off the rush and does not hesitate to take the puck to the net. He makes WHL defenders look like pylons at times with his energetic bursts. Dube is effective using his feet to push through small holes in the defence, taking himself to prime scoring areas. He has a nice release and accuracy on his wrist shot, looking to pick corners from inside the circle. He displays his vision stopping up at the half-wall before hitting the tape of his teammates through traffic as they go to the net. Dube has the puck skill to beat a defender in a one-on-one situation with a subtle, but lightning-quick, deke. His fast stick also serves him well in the defensive zone and board play, where he is constantly getting in battles for the puck. He is a little small yet, but likes to play a brash, physical game. He shows great work ethic as he recognizes a need defensively and drives back hard into the defensive zone to help defend any odd-man rushes. We like his drive, speed, smarts and skill as he packs a good two-way punch for a smaller forward.

NHL Potential: Middle six two-way centre

RED LINE REPORT - RANKED 50TH OVERALL

Excellent offensive instincts and knows what he’s going to do with the puck before he even gets it. Power play centre and key penalty killer. Will sacrifice his body blocking shots and then transition to offence by using his breakaway speed through the neutral zone - is tough to stop when he hits full stride. Has success from in close and around the slot. Creates a lot of turnovers and uses his speed effectively. Has a very hard shot with a lightning fast release from the circles on in. Sparkled at times this season, but a real concern was his lack of production down the stretch and very inconsistent playoff run where teams seemed to know exactly what he was going to do. Became a one trick pony, repeatedly attempting to maneuver through a heavily clogged neutral zone. Will never make a strong power move to net, preferring to stay to the outside. Smallish and needs to show more jam.